Chain for mining machine and the like

ABSTRACT

An endless chain for a mining machine or the like which can be made up to any desired length and width. In one embodiment, the chain can be made to carry cutting tools in any suitable pattern or arrangement and will comprise a plurality of standard link elements and a plurality of standard chain block elements. In another embodiment, the chain can serve as an endless tread for a self-propelled mining machine, in which instance it may be comprised of a plurality of identical, standardized link elements or it may be comprised of a plurality of standard link elements and a plurality of one or more types of modified link elements. In both embodiments, the link elements, or the link and chain block elements, will be joined together by connecting pins of appropriate lengths.

United States Patent 91 Krekeler Jan. 29, 1974 CHAIN FOR MINING MACHINE AND THE LIKE [75] Inventor: Claude B. Krekeler, Cincinnati,

Ohio

[73] Assignee: The Cincinnati Mine Machinery Co.,

Cincinnati, Ohio [22] Filed: Apr. 19, 1972 [2]] Appl. No.: 245,444

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 85,601, Oct. 30, 1970, Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl. 305/58 [51] Int. Cl B62d 55/20 [58] Field of Search 305/57, 56, 58

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,473,569 11/1923 Leyner 305/57 Primary Examiner-Richard J. Johnson Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Melville, Strasser, Foster & Hoffman [5 7] ABSTRACT An endless chain for a mining machine or the like which can be made up to any desired length and width. In one embodiment, the chain can be made to carry cutting tools in any suitable pattern or arrangement and will comprise a plurality of standard link elements and a plurality of standard chain block elements. In another embodiment, the chain can serve as an endless tread for a self-propelled mining machine, in which instance it may be comprised of a plurality of identical, standardized link elements or it may be comprised of a plurality of standard link elements and a plurality of one or more types of modified link elements. In both embodiments, the link elements, or the link and chain block elements, will be joined together by connecting pins of appropriate lengths.

1 Claim, 13 Drawing Figures mimenmz 3788.711 SHEU 3 UP 4 FIG. IO

CHAIN FOR MINING MACHINE AND THE LIKE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 85,601 in the name of the same inventor, Claude B. Krekeler, filed Oct. 30, 1970 and entitled CHAIN FOR MINING MACHINES AND THE LIKE, now US. Pat. No. 3,679,265.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a novel chain construction, and more particularly to chains which may be varied both in length and in width and which may be adapted to carrying cutting tools in any desired pattern or arrangement, but which require only a minimum number of standardized parts for their construction.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art While the chain of the present invention may have many applications, as will be described hereinafter, for purposes of an exemplary showing, the chain will be described in its use as a trim chain for a non-oscillating drum-type mining machine.

Non-oscillating drum-type mining machines have come into extensive use. Briefly, such machines generally comprise a self-propelled vehicle having a centrally located conveyor means for the material being mined. At the forward end of the machine, one or more movable beams support a horizontally oriented drum. The drum bears a plurality of cutting tools. Frequently, the cutting tools are oriented on the drum in a pattern comprising two oppositely oriented helices which are directed toward the center of the drum. This aids in conducting the cut material toward the center of the machine and the conveyor which forms a part of it.

Through appropriate drive mechanism and gearing, in association with the beam or beams, the drum is caused to rotate about its axis to produce a cutting action. In usual practice, the machine is brought to the face of the material being cut and the drum is sumped into the face at the top thereof. Thereafter, through the agency of the beam or beams, the rotating drum is caused to move downwardly, making a complete vertical cut at the face of the material. This procedure is then repeated and the mine entry is thereby advanced. At the position or positions where the drum is supported on one or more of the beams, the drum cannot carry cutting tools. Therefore, one or more trim chains are required to fill in the one or more portions of the drum not provided with cutting tools. By virtue of the construction of such mining machines, it will be understood that the trim chains have to be of considerable width. As aconsequence, such trim chains usually carry a plurality of cutting tools oriented in staggered rows extending the width of the chain.

Heretofore, such trim chains comprised a plurality of chain blocks joined together by two or more connecting links. Each chain block was as wide as the chain width required and carried at least one cutting tool in a predetermined position along the chain width. Thus, for each cutting tool position along the chain width. there had to be a separate type of chain block configured to mount the cutting tool in that position. Thus, for purposes of an exemplary showing, if a given chain was adapted to carry cutting tools in five different positions across the width of the chain, there would have to be five different chain blocks used to makeup the chain. Each chain would therefore be made up ofa plurality of each of the five chain block types joined together by connecting links so that the cutting tools could be arranged in the desired patterns across the width of the chain and throughout the chain length.

While such chains performed well in the field, they required the mine owner to carry a large inventory of different and expensive chain blocks, for purposes of replacement and repair. In addition, if the mine owner had several different non-oscillating drum-type mining machines, each requiring trim chains of different widths, he was required to maintain an inventory of sets of chain blocks for each type of machine.

The present invention is directed to a chain construction whereby a trim chain of the type described may be made up in any suitable width and length and having any desired cutting tool arrangement thereon, and yet requiring the stocking of only a minimum number of standardized parts as will be described hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a chain construction for mining machines and the like. When the chain is adapted to carry cutting tools, it can comprise a plurality of connecting links and chain blocks of substantially the same length and width dimensions. The chain will be made up of a plurality of transverse rows of these elements in side-by-side relationship, each intermediate row having one less element than the row ahead and behind it. The number of elements in each row may be varied so as to provide a chain of any desired width. The chain block elements and connecting link elements may be interchanged so as to enable the chain to carry cutting tools in any desired pattern or arrangement. The various elements are held together by connecting pins of appropriate length, according to the width of the chain to be produced.

Where desired, a pair of simple spacer elements may be substituted for a connecting link, for purposes of economy. The type of cutting tool carried by the chain block does not constitute a limitation on the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the chain can serve as a tread for a self-propelled vehicle. When so used, all of the link elements comprising the chain may be identical or the chain may be comprised of a plurality of standard link elements and a plurality of modified link elements to produce various desired effects.

The chains of the present invention enable the use of a wide variety of types of connecting pins as will be described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a semi-diagrammatic front elevational view of a typical non-oscillating drum-type mining machine.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a connecting link of a chain of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view ofa chain block of a chain of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a cutting tool and retaining means to be used with the chain block of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a spacer for use in a chain of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an isometric exploded view of a connecting pin, nuts and locking pins to be used in a chain of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view illustrating one embodiment of the chain of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another type of connecting pin.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connecting link to be used with the connecting pin of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another type of chain block to be used in the chain of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view ofa link element to be used in the chain of the present invention, when the chain is to serve as a tread.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 8 and illustrating an embodiment of the chain of the present invention to serve as a tread for a self-propelled vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a semi-diagrammatic front view of a nonoscillating drum-type mining machine, generally indicated at 1. The machine has a self-propelled body portion 2 with centrally located conveyor means 3. A pair of spaced, movable beams 4 and 5 support a rotatable drum 6 having two helical rows of cutting tools 6a and 6b. Appropriate drive means for the drum is located in association with or between the beams. The machine is provided with a trim chain 7 to cut clearance for that portion of the drum which cannot otherwise be equipped with bits, i.e., that portion of the drum which must be supported by the beams 4 and 5 and that portion operatively connected to the drive mechanism for the drum. The trim chain may be driven by any suitable means such as sprocket wheels or the like (not shown).

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical connecting link used in the chain of the present invention. The connecting link 9 comprises an elongated member having perforations 10 and 11 at each end. The perforations 10 and 11 are adapted to receive a connecting pin, as will be described hereinafter. The bottom surface of the connecting link may be arcuately relieved as at 12, to aid it in passing over a curved surface. The upper surface of the connecting link may by notched as at 13 both to conserve material and for reasons hereinafter set forth.

FIG. 3 illustrates a chain block for use in the chain of the present invention. The chain block 14 has a body portion 15 which is substantially identical to the connecting link 9 of FIG. 2. The body portion 15 has perforations 16 and 17, identical to perforations l0 and 11 of the connecting link 9. The bottom surface of the chain block may be relieved as at 18, in a manner identical to the relief 12 of the connecting link 9. Finally, the body portion 15 has a notch 19 identical to the notch 13 in the connecting link 9. The chain block 14 has affixed thereto a cutting tool carrying element 20. While the configuration of the element 20 does not constitute a limitation on the present invention, FIG. 3 illustrates it in one of its most economic and easily manufactured forms. In the exemplary embodiment, the element 20 is shown as being made of round stock provided with a central perforation 21 and an external flat 22. The element 20 has a forward face 23 and a rearward face 24. The element 20 is attached to the body portion 15 of the chain block by welding or otherwise affixing the flat 22 to the portion of the notch 19.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the element 20 could constitute an integral part of the chain block 14. However, when it is made as a separate part permanently affixed to the body portion 15, this enables the manufacture ofa single element which can serve either as a connecting link 9 or the body portion 15 of a chain block 14.

It will be evident from FIG. 3 that the cutting tool carrying element 20 is affixed to the body portion 15 in such a way that its rearward surface 24 is spaced from the portion 19b of the notch 19. The perforation 21 serves as a shank receiving perforation for a cutting tool and the portion 19b of the notch 19 serves as a rear abutment for the cutting tool.

While the type of cutting tool used in the chain of the present invention does not constitute a limitation thereon, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 illustrates a mounting means of the general type taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,397,012 and 3,397,013 for cutting tools of the type taught in the same patents. For purposes of an exemplary showing, FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively illustrate a typical cutting tool and a retaining means therefor. The cutting tool, generally indicated at 25 comprises an elongated shank 26 terminating at one end in a hard cutting tip 27 and terminating at the other end in an abutment surface 28 adapted to cooperate with the portion 19b of the notch 19 in FIG. 3. The

shank 26 has an annular notch 29 therein which extends in part at least-beyond the rearward surface 24 of the cutting tool carrying element 20 and which is adapted to receive the split metal retaining ring 30 of FIG. 5. The external diameter of the ring 30 is slightly greater than the diameter of the shank receiving perforation 21 (FIG. 3) so that the ring 30 will prevent loss of the bit 25 from the shank receiving perforation 21.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the surface 19b of the notch 19 and the abutment surface 28 of the cutter bit may be so configured as to provide a male-female fit, as taught in the above mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,397,013. Similarly, resilient means may be provided in association with the surface 19b of the notch 19 to provide a resilient mounting for the cutter bit, as taught in the copending application filed Dec. 15, 1969, Ser. No. 885,255 entitled RESILIENT MOUNTING FOR CUTTING TOOLS OF MINING MACHINES AND THE LIKE, in the name of the same inventor.

FIG. 6 illustrates a spacer, a pair of which may be substituted for a connecting link, as will be described hereinafter. The spacer 31 comprises simply a cylindrical element having the same width as the chain block of FIG. 3 or the connecting link of FIG. 2. The spacer has a central perforation 32 equivalent to the perforations 10 and 11 of the connecting link or the perforations 16 and 17 of the chain block.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, isometric view of one embodiment of a connecting pin whereby the connecting links and chain blocks'making up the chain of the present invention may be joined together. In this embodiment, the connecting pin comprises an elongated cylindrical member 32 of such diameter as to be freely rotatable in any of the perforations 10-11, 16-17 or 32 of FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, respectively. The cylindrical element 32 is threaded at both ends, as at 33 and 34. The connecting pin 32 is of such length that the threaded ends 33 and 34 will extend beyond the width of the trim chain. A pair of internally threaded nuts 35 and 36 are adapted to be received on the threaded ends 33 and 34, respectively. Finally, the threaded ends 33 and 34 may be provided with transverse perforations 33a and 34a, respectively. Similarly, the nuts 35 and 36 may be provided with transverse perforations 35a and 36a, respectively. When the nuts 35 and 36 are threaded onto their respective ends of the pin 32, the perforations 35a may be rendered coaxial with the perforation 33a and similarly the perforations 36a may be rendered coaxial with the perforation 34a so that roll pins 35b and 36b, or the like, may be used to lock the nuts firmly in place on the connecting pin.

It will be understood that roll pins 35b and 36b may be replaced by solid pins or any other suitable locking means, where desired. It will be further understood that either the perforations 33a or 34a in the connecting pin 32 or perforations 35a and 36a in nuts 35 and 36 may be enlarged to aid in the installation of locking pins 35b and 36b.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an assembled chain in accordance with the present invention. Like parts have been given like index numerals. In the particular embodiment shown, the chain is five elements'wide and provides a plurality of staggered rows of five cutting tools across the width of the chain. In the portion of the chain shown in FIG. 8, eight chain blocks are illustrated. All of the remaining elements may be connecting links of the type shown in FIG. 2. However, where desired, connecting links may be replaced by pairs of spacers 31 as illustrated.

It will be evident to one skilled in the art from FIG. 8 that any desired pattern or arrangement of cutting tools may be achieved in the chain of the present invention simply by the appropriate interchange of chain blocks 14 and connecting links 9. The chain may be made wider or narrower by the width-wise addition or removal of chain blocks and connecting links. The mine owner need only stock chain blocks, connecting links and connecting pins of appropriate length. It will be noted that there is only one type of chain block used throughout the chain. Where desired, the mine owner may also stock spacers, for purposes of economy, but connecting links may be used in their stead, as indicated above. At a given time, should a mine owners stock of connecting links be low, it is possible to substitute a chain block for a connecting link.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, it will be noted that the connecting pins 32 and nuts 35 and 36 provide means beyond the edge of the chain engageable by sprocket wheels or the like. Alternatively, depending upon the mining machine in question, the teeth of a sprocket wheel may extend into the space 37 between the outermost connecting links or chain blocks and contact the links or blocks themselves to drive the chain. Similarly, sprocket wheels may be so located that their teeth enter corresponding spaces 37a in the central portion of the chain and contact adjacent links or blocks to drive the chain.

When this is the case, any suitable and well known means may be employed to maintain the connecting pins in place. For example, the connecting pins need not extend beyond the outside surfaces of the outermost connecting links or chainblocks, but may be held in place by spring means or clips similar to those well known in the art with respect to maintaining pintles in place in cutter chains or the like. On the other hand, the connecting pins may extend beyond the outside surfaces of the outermost links or chain blocks and be held in place by roll pins extending through the projecting portions of the connecting pins. Alternatively, the projecting portions of the connecting pins may be provided with annular grooves adapted to receive C-shaped clips or the like.

An alternative form of connecting pin is illustrated at 38 in FIG. 9. The connecting pin 38 has an elongated shank portion 39 similar to that of the pin 32 of FIG. 7. In this instance, however, the connecting pin 38 is headed at both ends with integral, non-removable heads 40 and 41. FIG. 10 illustrates a connecting link 42 to be used with the connecting pin of FIG. 9. The connecting link 42 is in every way identical to the connecting link of FIG. 2 with the exception that perforations 10a and 11a have enlarged portions 10b and 11b. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the chain blocks can be provided with similarly configured perforations.

In the typical mining machine of the type described,

provision is made whereby the chain may be rendered slack for purposes of replacement or repair. When the chain is in slack position and the connecting links and chain blocks are provided with perforations of the type shown in FIG. 10, the headed portions 40 or 41 of connecting pins of the type shown in FIG. 9 can pass through the enlarged portions 10b or 11b of the perforations 10a or 11a. When the chain is returned to its normal tightened position, the shank portion 39 of the connecting pins will enter the smaller portions of the perforations 10a and Ila and the headed portions 40 and 41 of the connecting pins will prevent their loss or removal.

The connecting pins illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9 have the advantage that they are freely rotatable in the perforations in the connecting links and chain blocks. Thus, these connecting pins will be subject to even wear about their peripheries.

As indicated above, the type of bit mounted in the chain blocks does not constitute a limitation on the present invention. The precise configuration of the chain blocks will vary, depending upon the type of bit used. For purposes of the present invention, however, it is only important that the chain blocks have the same length and width as the connecting links.

It would be within the scope of the invention to provide chain blocks so configured as to accept cutter bits of the types taught in US. Pat. No. 3,622,206. Alternatively, the chain blocks could be configured to accept bits of the type taught in US. Pat. No. 3,1 14,537. This is illustrated, by way of example, in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 shows a chain block 43 which could be substituted for the chain blocks 14 in FIG. 8. The chain block 43 is similar to that of FIG. 3 in that it is provided with perforations 44 and 45 for the receipt of connecting pins. The bottom surface may be arcuately relieved, as at 46, in the same manner taught with respect to the block in FIG. 3. In this instance, however, the chain block is provided with a shank receiving perforation 47 passing downwardly therethrough, and an intersecting transverse perforation 48 containing a resilient retaining means 49.

FIG. 11 shows a typical bit of the type taught in the above mentioned US. Pat. No. 3,114,537. The bit 50 has a head portion 51 with a hard cutting tip 52 and a shank portion 53 of rectangular cross section. The shank 53 is receivable in the shank receiving perforation 47. The rear edge of the shank 53 has a notch 54 therein adapted to coact with the resilient retaining means 49. The head portion 51 of the bit has a gauge determining abutment surface 55 adapted to cooperate with the upper surface 56 of the chain block.

Modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit of it. For example, the chain of the present invention may be adapted for use as a tread for a self-propelled mining machine or the like. In such an instance, all of the link elements may be identical and may be of the general type illustrated in FIG. 12.

The link element 57 of FIG. 12 is similar to the connecting link of FIG. 2, having connecting pin perforations 58 and 59. If desired, the link element may be relieved, as shown in dotted lines at 60, for purposes of economy.

The link element 57 differs from the connecting link of FIG. 2 primarily in that the bottom surface 61 is not relieved and the ends of the link element are extended as at 62 and 63.

The extensions 62 and 63 serve two purposes. First of all, they ensure that each link will present a maximum surface to the ground over which it travels. Secondly, each extension 62 and 63 forms a notch, generally inidicated at 62a and 63a. These notches, in con junction with similar notches on adjacent link members will form pockets for the receipt of the teeth of driving sprockets or the like. Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention to provide the bottom surface 61 with cleats or other configurations (not shown) to ensure greater traction. A chain for use as a tread for a selfpropelled mining machine of other vehicle is illustrated in FIG. 13. This figure is similar to FIG. 8 with the exception that link elements of the type shown at 57 in FIG. 12 have been substituted for the chain blocks 14 and connecting link 9 of FIG. 8. Spacers 31, connecting Additional modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the chain of the present invention may be adapted for use on a continuous mining machine of the general type set forth in US. Pat. No. 2,926,896. In such an application, the chain of the present invention would present the same advantages as outlined above with respect to its application as a trim chain. In addition, the mining machine itself could be simplified in a number of respects, including the elimination of a number of guide means and the like, heretofore required when individual chains were used. I

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A continuous chain for use as a tread of a selfpropelled mining machine, earthworking machine and the like, said chain comprising a plurality of elongated link elements of equal length and width, each of said link elements having a transverse perforation at each end, said link elements being arranged in first groups having the same number of link elements and second groups having the same number of link elements, the number of link element in a first group being one greater than the number of link elements in the second group, said first and second groups of link elements being arranged alternately one behind the other with the ends of the link elements of adjacent groups being in interdigitated relationship and with said perforations therein in coaxial relationship, connecting pins passing through said coaxial perforations to pivotally join said interdigitated ends, each of said link elements comprising an elongated body having said transverse perforations at each end thereof, said body having an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface being configured to contact the ground over which said tread travels, the lower portion of said body being extended at the ends thereof and in a direction parallel to the long axis of said body whereby to extend said lower surface, said chain further including cylindrical spacers having axial perforations therein, said spacers having a width equal to the width' of said link elements, pairs of said spacers being substituted for selected ones of said link elements, the spacers of each pair being located at positions on adjacent ones of said connecting pins which would otherwise be occupied by a single link element, all of said first and second groups having at least two link elements therein. 

1. A continuous chain for use as a tread of a self-propelled mining machine, earthworking machine and the like, said chain comprising a plurality of elongated link elements of equal length and width, each of said link elements having a transverse perforation at each end, said link elements being arranged in first groups having the same number of link elements and second groups having the same number of link elements, the number of link element in a first group being one greater than the number of link elements in the second group, said first and second groups of link elements being arranged alternately one behind the other with the ends of the link elements of adjacent groups being in interdigitated relationship and with said perforations therein in coaxial relationship, connecting pins passing through said coaxial perforations to pivotally join said interdigitated ends, each of said link elements comprising an elongated body having said transverse perforations at each end thereof, said body having an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface being configured to contact the ground over which said tread travels, the lower portion of said body being extended at the ends thereof and in a direction parallel to the long axis of said body whereby to extend said lower surface, said chain further including cylindrical spacers having axial perforations therein, said spacers having a width equal to the width of said link elements, pairs of said spacers being substituted for selected ones of said link elements, the spacers of each pair being located at positions on adjacent ones of said connecting pins which would otherwise be occupied by a single link element, all of said first and second groups having at least two link elements therein. 